Apologies to the Leonardos, Cirellis and Fonzarellis, but Arivederci to the defending champions Italy.
With a convincing 3-2 win Slovakia shocked the world and the Italians, who looked unorganized, confused and lethargic...kinda like the French team! When you see an Italian anywhere in the world today, they may need a hug.
Fight for Your Right.
Slovakia and Paraguay advance from Group F. Italy finished last with 2 points. This is the first time both finalists from the previous cup (Italy/France) failed to advance to the knockout stages.
Netherlands and Japan cleared Group E. The Dutch played pinball perfect passing to down Cameroon while Japan executed 2 of the best free kicks since my nephew Alexander knocked over 6yr old during practice.
I wish we had a documentary of our ESPN set up. In terms of size, this is an unprecedented remote production combining over 200 crew from the states with 300 more from South Africa and around the globe.
My Producer, Amy Rosenfeld, says this is by far the biggest single event ESPN has broadcast.
It all starts with HBS, the host broadcaster, who produces each game in HD, including replays and natural sound. ESPN and hundreds of broadcasters from around the world get a generic feed from each game, to which we add our Announcers and graphics. HBS also offers all all camera angles available via a digital network. My job, along with Todd Kulis, Simon Fewing and Eric Valdez, is to Edit Halftime and Postgame hightlights as well as playback a gazillion video elements for SportsCenter and WorldCup Live. More details to come in future blogs.
From our research dept- During the last 20 mins of the US/Algeria game, volume on the trading floor of the NYSE was 33% lower than normal.
It was the highest-rated and most-watched soccer game in the history of ESPN networks, delivering a 4.6 rating. Adding the Univision US broadcast to the mix, the tally becomes 8.6 million viewers. whew!
from Larry Tiscornia at MLS headquarters "Amazing! The whole MLS office was at a bar with hundreds of other people. When the goal happened, the insanity was almost overwhelming. Greatest single moment in US Soccer history".
I hear ya brotha. The question has already been asked: Where were you when Donovan scored?
NEXT US GAME IS SATURDAY at 11:30aPT vs Ghana.
Super Bowl Champ Reggie Bush at our studio today -He's a tight friend of Jozy Altidore. interviewed on our air..."That's why I like soccer. It's on a such a bigger scale that American Football..."
"uh, I was told there would be no math"
Ying Shi (our translator from '07 in Shanghai) brings this mindbender to the internet table.
Brazil : 1994 + 1970 = 3964
Argentina: 1986 + 1978 = 3964
Germany: 1990 + 1974 = 3964
Brazil: 1962 + 2002 = 3964
So this year's winner: 3964-2010=1954 (that year Germany won)
...OK, so Germany is supposed to win this year ;-)It's Tricky.I hope you are awake early today. Portugal challenges Brazil for top of Group G at 7aPT while Ivory Coast and N. Korea are pretty much eliminated."later', at 11:30aPT, Chile and Spain play for the top of Group H, But Switzerland and Honduras still have a chance to advance. Gonna be an interesting soap opera!
Things That Make You go Hmmm.
this from my buddy Andrew McConneville, who has also been scouring the country for new food! 
Argentina: 1986 + 1978 = 3964
Germany: 1990 + 1974 = 3964
Brazil: 1962 + 2002 = 3964
So this year's winner: 3964-2010=1954 (that year Germany won)
...OK, so Germany is supposed to win this year ;-)
Things That Make You go Hmmm.
Where was I when Donovan scored? In my shuttle to BWI. Thank God for Twitter!!!!!
ReplyDeleteDonovan must have Tweeted you personally!
ReplyDeleteHey, I was in a bar in Egypt when the USA scored. They erupted like Egypt had just scored! Overwhelming support for the USA here in Egypt. Good to see you in Joburg and keep up the good work!
ReplyDelete